{"product_id":"leone-de-castris-salice-salentino-donna-lisa-negroamaro-riserva-2019","title":"Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Donna Lisa Negroamaro Riserva 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eLeone de Castris Salice Salentino Donna Lisa Negroamaro Riserva 2019 is a rich, characterful red from the sun‑drenched heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia. Crafted primarily from Negroamaro with a touch of Malvasia Nera di Brindisi, it captures the depth, warmth and Mediterranean spice that have made Salice Salentino a favorite among Southern Italian reds. As a Riserva bottling, Donna Lisa represents a more refined and ageworthy expression from one of the region’s most historic estates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Donna Lisa Riserva 2019 shows a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at both concentration and some early evolution. The nose is generous and layered, opening with ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum compote, followed by notes of dried figs, sweet spice, vanilla and cocoa from the oak, plus hints of tobacco, leather, licorice and Mediterranean herbs.\n\nOn the palate, this wine is full‑bodied and rounded, with velvety tannins and a juicy core of dark fruit. Flavors of black cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant mingle with baking spices, dark chocolate, balsamic nuances and a touch of earthiness. The acidity is well‑balanced, keeping the richness lively and food‑friendly, while the finish is long, warm and savory, with lingering notes of spice and dried fruit. Enjoyable now with some aeration, this Riserva has the structure and concentration to continue evolving gracefully for another 6–8 years from vintage, developing more tertiary notes of leather, tobacco and dried herbs over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonna Lisa is sourced from vineyards in Salice Salentino, in the heart of Apulia’s Salento peninsula, where old vines grow on predominantly clay‑limestone soils under a hot, dry Mediterranean climate and the moderating influence of nearby seas. The Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera di Brindisi grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to ensure careful selection of bunches. After destemming and crushing, the must undergoes temperature‑controlled fermentation on the skins to extract color, aroma and tannin, followed by malolactic fermentation to soften the wine’s texture. The Riserva then spends an extended period aging in oak barriques—often a mix of French and American—to build complexity, integrate the tannins and add subtle spice, before further refinement in bottle prior to release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Salice Salentino Riserva is a natural match for hearty, flavorful dishes such as slow‑braised lamb shanks, beef short ribs, grilled sausages, rich ragùs and game stews. It also pairs beautifully with classic Apulian cuisine—think orecchiette with meat sauce, eggplant parmigiana, or roasted meats with Mediterranean herbs—as well as aged cheeses like Pecorino, Provolone piccante and Parmigiano‑Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and spice; decanting for about 45–60 minutes helps the wine open up, softening the tannins and allowing the more complex earthy and balsamic notes to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeone de Castris is one of the most historic and influential wineries in Southern Italy, with roots dating back to 1665 in the town of Salice Salentino, Apulia. Over centuries, the family moved from landowners to quality‑focused wine producers, becoming key pioneers in elevating the reputation of Salento wines. The estate famously produced “Five Roses,” Italy’s first bottled rosé to be widely exported, and was among the first to champion the potential of native varieties such as Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. Today, Leone de Castris is considered a benchmark producer in the region, known for combining tradition with modern winemaking to craft expressive, terroir‑driven wines that showcase the unique character of Apulia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leone de Castris","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255509242193,"sku":"XW-55266","price":36.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/leone-de-castris-salice-salentino-donna-lisa-negroamaro-riserva-2019_55266_1_71ae88df-c517-4aef-a7fc-2d2b1c74ed0d.webp?v=1783459202","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/leone-de-castris-salice-salentino-donna-lisa-negroamaro-riserva-2019","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}